Decision

The Officer introduced the report, an application for a discretionary Council Tax discount under Section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, from a resident of Upper Rissington. They summarised that:

?     The applicant had requested support to clear Council Tax arrears of £1,184.26 relating to the 2025/26 financial year, on a Band B property with an annual net Council Tax liability of £1,792.93.

?     The household's financial circumstances had deteriorated significantly due to ongoing health issues: one member of the household ceased employment due to ill health in September 2020, and a second member suffered a stroke during 2025 and also had to leave employment, leaving the household reliant solely on welfare benefits.

?     An income and expenditure assessment by Citizens Advice showed a monthly budget deficit of £7.26, with no available resource to address the arrears.

?     From January 2026 the household had been awarded 100% Council Tax Support and had no ongoing liability.

Officers recommended that the Cabinet Member approve Option 1 as set out at paragraph 9.1 of the report: award of the full discretionary discount of £1,184.26.